The DC Carnival has gotten bigger every year, and each year the Haitians represent in larger and larger numbers. With the help of WACAHAPA's Jean Claude Verdieu, who sponsored fund raising parties, many people showed up in their "Haiti" T-shirts, or wearing blue and red.

In the past, Caribbean carnival meant Soca, from Trinidad, or Reggae from Jamaica, but more and more in the US, Konpa is being heard and enjoyed by many outside of the Haitian culture.

With the help of Wyclef's "thug angel", rara can be heard on the air waves in the nation's capital. Zepon, Master Compas, and Black Parents brought Konpa to the heart of Washington, DC.

Some of the members of ZEPON on their truck,
rolling down the carnival.

The first lady of the city, the mayor's wife, lead the carnival. As the parade grow in popularity and attendance, more and more, politicians show up for the chance to meet the people, say "hi," and shake hands.

The people are usually in the mood for "wining down to the ground," not for politics. Many nations use carnival time to forget politics and economics.

However, it is nice to see the DC government represent (next year, hope to see mayor Anthony Williams and his wife béssé ba in the streets)

Ayiti té tout koté. Everywhere you looked there were Haitian flags, T-shirts, banners, and hats. From the young kids to the old folks, even those who were not from the country picked up a flag and followed the bands. Konpa brings something different and people are starting to appreciate it.

Out of the three Haitian bands in the carnival, Black Parents was up front, followed by Zepon, and Master Compas.

Black Parents is a new band out of Canada and Haiti, promoted by DJ Blast, a local dee-jay with his own cable show.

>>Part of the six member group, Black Parents out of Canada.

DJ Blast hopes to have them back in the area in December. The group plays a mixture of Konpa, Reggae, Hip-Hop, and Raga. 

 
<<This young lady was showing her support in many ways. She had the hat, the outfit, the flag, and that sweetness that only Fan'm Ayisiên possess.

The local markets, along with Zepon, WACAHAPA, JCV productions, DJ Blast, DJ EZ Flexx, DJ Jean-Michel, did a great job promoting the event and selling much of the hats, flags, and T-shirts, so Ayiti could really represent.

Much respect goes to all who were responsible for this show of force. The Trinis, who usually come draped in the red, white and black of their flag, were drowned out by the blue and red of Haiti.

It's easy to say that everyone had a good time, from the ground to the top of the trucks. These people were doing things, on top of a truck, that many people would not dare try on solid ground, but when the beat hits you do what you have to.

 
<< "oh!, that Soca riddim!" will make you dance in the streets, on top of trucks, or wherever you may be.

The song was old woman we taking home, but this human sandwich was taking it to the streets.

If it's hot get some water, if the rhythm is hotter, then, you find a partner. If it's hot and the beat is blazing find a couple of partners.

Of course, the "mud band" was there. Many people came out just so they can be covered with a reddish clay mud. They tend to have the most fun, especially when they meet someone in a white T-shirt. Getting the mud on someone else is part of the fun.

It wouldn't be a Caribbean carnival without a rainbow of costumes and people. A great mixture of people from all types of background and nationalities.

This year, it seems that the Americans are starting to catch up on what it is like to come together, as the song says, "in love and unity - togetherness."

Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, even Panama was out and about. Many in the crowd had been partying since Thursday night, and the parties didn't stop until early Monday morning.

Chalè, the Washington DC heat can be unbearable, even to people born and raised under the Caribbean sun, but everyone found a way to cool off and keep the party going

Crossroads, a popular nightclub in the area, had their truck pack with beautiful women, and men. People came from miles to follow their truck.

Word is spreading. There were many buses from New York, Miami, and even Canada. People come from everywhere to enjoy the carnival and Washington DC put on a great show for them. Some in the crow were passing flyers about the New York Labor Day Parade.

We've heard that New York can put on a show. We will have to see if they can come close to this carnival. We, also, hope that the Haitians will represent in unity as well.

Sé nan kanival la, sé la plézi a yé

As the carnival grows more popular, it's good to see the Haitians in the Washington area come together and have a good time. Much thanks to the those of WACAHAPA (Washington Carnival Haitian Participation), who did a great job to unite the people to represent as one.

In the end, after all the preparations, the costumes, the parties, it was all worthwhile. Exhaustion finally brought the mighty down, at least for a short time, for there was partying to do that night.

The DC Carnival gives many a chance to get together with family, old friends, and even make new friends. It's a time to celebrate the summer, the end of school, 40 hour work weeks, heritage, and, if nothing else, being alive. It's time many take to show pride for their culture, and we're glad that Ayiti represented.

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